ARCHIE Vaughan made his championship debut for Somerset against Durham and what a debut it turned out to be for the 18 year old youngster, who contributed with both bat and ball to the team’s emphatic 293 run victory.

The tall all rounder scored 30 runs in the first innings sharing in a sixth partnership of 68 with James Rew, before taking one for 69 from 24 overs in the visitor’s first innings. He  remained 16 not out batting for a second time and took two for 40 from 21 overs in Durham’s second innings. 

“It was special to get a win on my first experience of four day cricket and I now know how hard it is to get a win in this format, so it really was special,” Archie said immediately after the match.

During the course of the match, many of Archie’s overs  were bowled in tandem with England spinner Jack Leach.

“Jack is great to chat to about what field to set and everything, and to be bowling at the opposite end to him was just amazing.

“That’s definitely the most overs I have ever bowled in a match and my right shoulder aches a bit, but I did it for the team and I loved it.’’ Archie started off his career as a batter but over the last couple of winters has worked hard to develop his off spin bowling.

“I have worked hard on my bowling with Max Waller. I know things don’t always go your way with the bat and you can always make an impact on games with the ball. I love bowling and I think that it takes a bit of pressure off my batting and to get three wickets in the game means a lot to me.”

How has being part of the Somerset Academy helped Archie?

“The Academy has helped me immensely. I have been working a lot with Matt Drakeley and Alex Barrow behind the scenes. They have given me the opportunities in the second team and then playing in the one day cup has really helped my cricket. The support you get from everyone at the club is just amazing and I cant thank the backroom staff enough. .“I am enjoying myself I have had good opportunities. The team have been amazing, all the senior guys have been really good to me.” Later this year Archie will be starting his first winter as a full time cricketer.